AMC Say Yes To A Second Season of 'Halt And Catch Fire'

Not a ratings killer, but a critical success nonetheless. This is a good move from AMC.

Halt and Catch Fire - which follows the rise of the PC in the early 1980s and averaged 1.3 million weekly viewers – has been renewed for a second season by AMC. The show didn’t come out strong, like a Game of Thrones of Boardwalk Empire, but has cultivated what AMC have called a ‘core following’, hence the renewal. If only Fox had recognised that kind of audience with Firefly, hey?

Halt and Care Fire: AMC

AMC president, Charlie Collier, said in a statement :“This is a show about invention, experimentation, and the inherent risks in trying to break new ground – themes that really resonate with us as a network and attracted a passionate audience. We have a history of demonstrating patience through the early seasons of new shows, betting on talent and building audience over time. We see that opportunity here and look forward to a second season of ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ from creators Chris Cantwell and Chris Rogers, and showrunner Jonathan Lisco.”

The statement added: “We're thrilled to have the opportunity to continue telling this story. Our series about creation, innovation, and taking bold risks wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for our partners at AMC, a network known for these very things,” Lisco, Cantwell and Rogers said. “Harnessing the momentum of our first season, this next chapter will take the rich characters our audience has come to love in new and surprising directions.”

AMC’s Turn has also been given a second season after it averaged 2 million viewers during its 10-episode run over the summer. 2015 will see the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul hit the network, while the small matter of Mad Men's final season – the second half of season 7 – needs to be tied up. Martial arts drama Badland has also been picked up in a straight to series deal.